Happy Employee Appreciation Day
Employee Appreciation Day is today. To start the day off, President Muma and other university leaders were at the Rhatigan Student Center with donuts for those able to swing by. We hope you enjoyed this special treat!
Employee appreciation tips for supervisors
We know leaders are probably looking for ways to show appreciation for faculty and staff on tighter budgets and modified for the remote work environment. While the usual catered lunch or in-person recognitions may not be in the plan (or in the budget) this year, it’s still important for leaders to show their employees that they are valued both as people and for the work they contribute to the university.
Below are a few no-cost, creative ways to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day modified for your remote workforce.
- Host a virtual Employee Appreciation Day for your remote team. Choose a fun theme, ask everyone to dress up (optional) and find virtual backgrounds that go along with your theme. You can ask your leader (next up the chain) to share an encouraging message or to facilitate a fun game for employees.
- Write a handwritten note to your staff and personalize it with recognizing something they have done that has made a positive impact on your team.
- Have a drawing to give away prizes during a Zoom call. Prizes can be university swag already on hand, and you can use wheelofnames.com to pick winners.
- Create a Kudo Board to celebrate employees with an online group card filled with messages, GIFs, photos and videos.
- Share praise received from customers. This shows employees that their work matters and may give them a needed boost.
- Create a Hall of Fame where leaders can recognize someone in their division or college who made an extraordinary contribution to the institution’s ability to manage during the pandemic.
The power of 'We': Barton School of Business dean reflects on early successes
When Dr. Larisa Genin arrived as dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University in June 2019, she brought with her experience, passion and, most importantly, a commitment to collaboration. She credits the recent accomplishments of the Barton School to this team mentality.
“None of this would be possible without our team,” says Genin. “They’re the key to this success. Their intelligence, passion and dedication are what make the Barton School prosper. It’s important to provide a culture where all can thrive, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Students share study-abroad experiences in video
Hear from Shockers about their study abroad experiences in this new video. Shockers share their experiences about why they studied abroad and how it impacted their lives. The video includes a showcase of photos from many different study abroad programs and shockers over the years.
USS and Non-Teaching UP Employees: Signatures are due this week
Employee Signatures for 2020-2021 myPerformance Evaluations are due this week. USS and non-teaching UP Employees should log in to myPerformance in myWSU to submit electronic signatures by 11:59 p.m. March 7.
Your evaluation will be available for the employee signature once your manager has submitted your evaluation with ratings.
For more information (including quick reference guides and other assistance) go to www.wichita.edu/myPerformance.
CliftonStrengths Training for faculty, staff and student employees
Join us for a free professional development opportunity over CliftonStrengths!
As an employee of Wichita State, you can take the CliftonStrengths inventory and attend a module that explores your unique strengths and discover how you can utilize them daily. We are currently offering two virtual sessions on March 15 and April 19. Sign up is through MyTraining and is open.
For any questions and services for your students, please contact Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu.
Graduate School to close early today
The Graduate School will close for the day at 3 p.m. today for staff development. There is an after-hours dropbox outside our door in 107 Jardine Hall for anyone who needs to drop off materials. The office will reopen as usual on at 8 a.m. Monday, March 8.
Entries now open for 2021 Edible Book Festival
Edible Book Festival is back! University Libraries invites all to join in on this culinary creation contest for a chance to win great local prizes. Enter online by April 1 at libraries.wichita.edu/ediblebookfestival. There you can find contest rules and entry photos from previous contests.
Basic rules are as follows:
- This virtual event features contestants creating edible art based on their favorite literature.
- Four prizes will be given — three based on judging and one on a popular vote.
- Once created, contestants can upload photos to our website by April 1.
- Anyone can then vote for the People's Choice winner April 5-8.
- Winners will take home prizes announced April 9.
Applications open for 39th annual Exposure Photography Competition
Exposure celebrates the talents of student photographers from every corner of Wichita State University. Any degree-seeking student is eligible to apply. Students can submit up to six works in three divisions: analogue, digital, and photo manipulation. Professional artists, critics, and curators from Wichita and the surrounding community will be selecting the works for the exhibit as well serving as jury for seven awards with cash prizes including Best of Show, as well as first and second place in each category.
More information on the selection process and access to the application can be found at www.wichita.edu/cadmangallery
The deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday, March 12.
Encourage students to apply for TRIO DSS
TRIO Disability Support Services assists students with disabilities in obtaining academic success through free services such as academic advising, tutoring, study skill development, financial literacy, and more. Students benefit from any additional help available during this time, so encourage students to apply to TRIO DSS. Online and in-person services are being provided.
Encourage students who might be in need of TRIO DSS assistance to apply at www.wichita.edu/dss or in person in Grace Wilkie Annex, room 158, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Revisit recorded OER panel during #OpenEducationWeek
As part of #OpenEducationWeek, University Libraries is inviting all to revisit the "OER In the Classroom" panel from this January's ARC21. To view the full recorded panel — featuring several Wichita State faculty and their input on the use of Open Educational Resources — visit bit.ly/37Zvi3I and enter the passcode: +py6VVRt.
Seeking Collegiate Leadership Competition judges
We are seeking two judges for the Collegiate Leadership Competition.
Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a nonprofit founded in 2015, creates a digital practice field where students can actively apply what they learn via CLC’s global virtual competition. CLC makes leadership a tangible, high-impact learning experience for future leaders. We are asking you to serve as a judge for the competition.
When/Time Commitment: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 10, 2021
- One hour of pre-work ahead of the April 10 meeting
- 8-9 a.m.: Judge training — everything you need to know (required)
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Judging two 90-minute activities (required)
Where: All activities will be conducted over Zoom. You can wear pajama pants while you judge leadership.
If you are interested in serving as a judge this year, please reach out Kennedy Rogers at kennedy.rogers@wichita.edu.
Benefit brunch celebrates International Women's Day with Phenomenal Women
Celebrate International Women's Day with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's Phenomenal Women program from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at Two Olives. The benefit brunch will help support the Phenomenal Women program to give scholarships to the women in the program. Attendees can order take out if they prefer. Learn more about your brunch options.
When attending events, please remember to follow physical distancing guidelines while wearing a mask that covers both your nose and mouth. Please wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer. For questions, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 316-978-3034 or diversity@wichita.edu.
Join KMUW for Literary Feast about 'The Bad Muslim Discount'
Join KMUW's Literary Feast, a book club for public radio listeners featuring selections made by KMUW staff. For March 2021, we're reading and discussing "The Bad Muslim Discount" by Syed M. Masood. Booklist says "Masood adeptly balances humor with pathos in this unforgettable, twisting tale... A moving, comic take on the immigrant experience.” Registration is free and open to all. Once registered, we'll email you a link to join the conversation on Zoom at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. To learn more and register, visit kmuw.org/kmuw-literary-feast.
Wellness events planned for today
Join the Wellness Services for a variety of programs today: Lifting Clinic, Dental Screenings, and FAQ Fridays. Check out Twitter and Facebook for more great programs.
Linguistics Club hosting virtual event
WSU's Linguistics Club is Hosting a virtual event at 2 p.m. March 15 via Zoom. Email wsulingclub@gmail.com for more information.
Ulrich seeks volunteers for Edit-a-Thon
Help the Ulrich Museum of Art correct the Wikipedia records of women artists in its permanent collection. This virtual event takes place at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 6 and is free and open to all. To register: ulrich.wichita.edu/programs
Shocker Baseball hosts Dixie State
Shocker Baseball hosts a three-game series versus Dixie State this weekend, March 5-7. First pitch times are set for 3 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. A limited amount of single game and free student tickets are available, so come out and enjoy a weekend of Shocker Baseball. Dates and times are subject to change.
Without inclusion, diversity initiatives may not be enough in science
Dr. Chandler Puritty will be speaking at 3:30 p.m. March 10 on "Without inclusion diversity initiatives may not be enough in Science," based on her article that appeared in Science magazine in 2017. She will be talking about the importance of quality mentorship for underrepresented minorities in science who are too often viewed as just a number. To log into the event, click here.
SAC event features virtual magician
Ran'D Shine is the face of the new millennium magician. He has wowed audiences with his brilliant presentation at the 44th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., as well as Capetown, South Africa. He has captured the imaginations of audiences from Hollywood to New York City for more than a decade. He has already read your mind and knows that you want to know more. Come see for yourself — and even learn a few tricks yourself. Make sure to have a deck of cards with you for this virtual event, set for 7 p.m. today.
Register to attend at wichita.edu/SAC. For more information about SAC sponsored events, visit wichita.edu/SAC or contact us at SAC@wichita.edu.
Andy Sykes leads lifting clinic
The next lifting clinic is noon-1 p.m. today on Campus Recreation's Facebook page. This week's clinic is about warm-ups to the Olympic lifts. Join Andy Sykes this Friday on Facebook Live.
SGA award nominations due today
All three SGA Awards (The Wichita State University Student Employee of the Year Award, The Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year, and the Academic Advisor of the Year) awards are still accepting nominations until 5 p.m. today. To learn more and submit a nomination, please visit wichita.edu/SGAawards. Questions? Please contact Gabriel Fonseca via email at gabriel.fonseca@wichita.edu
Shocker Store will be open before Sunday home baseball games
The Shocker Store’s Braeburn Square location will now be open on Sundays for home Shocker baseball games. The store will open the two hours prior to the first opening pitch and then close upon the start of the game. Go Shockers!
Journey East Asia Grill reopening today
We know you missed us, but don’t worry, WE ARE BACK! Join us at Journey East Asia Grill today for our store reopening. We will be offering $5 Build-Your-Own bowls all weekend! Store opens at 11 a.m. in Braeburn Square.